Got S.O.A.P.?

Do you ever wonder why it takes so many times to get something through your thick head, or is that just me? I'm on day 4 of being a 5:16 gal. (I'm pretty impressed that I'm awake but please hold the applause...) Despite the fact of hearing what to do during quiet time, I have not put it into application. When I've had my quiet time, it's been during a time when I'm taking a bible study. I began to feel this wasn't enough and wasn't really what I felt God wanted me to do. (Yes, do the study, but spend time with just Him as well.)

I asked for suggestions (legalistic much?) on how others spent their quiet time and my friend and fellow Siesta, Susanne, sent me this link for S.O.A.P. I was encouraged to see the author crediting Pastor Wayne Cordeiro for this method, as I had the honor of hearing Brother Wayne speak (through video) about this just last year! (Forget much?)

Here are some tips from Greg Qualls' blog (plus he has a link to hear Pastor Wayne speak. You'll be blessed to hear him speak). If you have more tips, I'd love to hear them!

Tip #2:
Have all the right resources. Wayne suggests that when you sit down to spend time in the Bible, you should have the following items.

1. A Bible - This is a no brainer. But make sure it is version that you can understand (different versions of the Bible are written at different reading levels). I use the ESV…but you might find another version to your liking. Just go to your local book store and test a few out. See how easy they are to read and if you can understand the words that are being used.
2. A Journal - This is where you are going to write down your thoughts. I use a blog to keep my daily thoughts, and it works well for me. Plus, I can share with my friends my daily reflections. Otherwise Wayne recommends using a paper journal and using the first few pages to keep an index of what you are learning. This way you can look back and see what your have been learning (another reason I use a blog…this is done automatically for me).
3. A Reading Plan - Use whatever you want. Just have a plan. (Cathy note: oh a plan...I see which step I'm missing.) I am using the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan to read through the Bible each year. But you could make it as simple as reading two chapters a day or two pages. Whatever you do use a plan or else you’ll spend half your time trying to figure out what to read.
4. A Planner - It’s going to happen. You are going to be in the middle of having a wonderful time with God. Journaling your heart our…and you are going to remember that you’re out of milk. This is where your planner comes in handy. You can write down, “get milk” and go right back to your journaling. If you don’t have a planner, just use a scratch piece of paper. This is probably the best advice that I got from Wayne. I don’t know how many times my God time was hijacked by random thoughts of things I need to do for the day.

Tip #3:

Use S.O.A.P. This is Wayne’s structure for your time with God. It stands for the following:
Scripture: Start off with the Bible. Read the verses that are on your plan for the day.
Observation: As you read, write down any observations that you have from the text. I use the questions, “Who is God?,” and “How do I enjoy Him?,” to focus my observations even better.
Application: Based on what you have read…what should you do? I try to make this practical and realistic. I set a goal for the day based upon my reading. Write it down and hold yourself accountable to it.
Prayer: Last but not least, spend some time in prayer to God. Confess and repent of any sins that were brought to light while you were reading. Spend time thanking God. Also spend some time in silence listening to God.

Tip #4: Keep it simple. The goal of your time with God is to try to grow closer to Him. It’s not to check off your list. Don’t add extra burdens to this focus. “I have to make at least 15 observations.” “I have to write at least 5 pages in my journal.” “I have to pray for at least 45 minutes.” The goal is to spend time with God and to grow closer to Him. Do what it takes to do just that…the rest is just distractions, burdens, and religion.

So there you have the basics. Have a plan. Get S.O.A.P.